Live Update: Drama Unfolds at the 40th Annual Tulsa Shootout
The Smiley’s Racing Products Tulsa Shootout, powered by NOS Energy Drink, has kicked off in spectacular style, drawing some of the biggest names in motorsports to its 40th edition. Among the star-studded lineup are Christopher Bell, Kyle Busch, and Kyle Larson, who traveled all the way from Australia to compete. However, the glamour of the event has been overshadowed by controversy involving sprint car star Anton Hernandez.
Anton Hernandez Faces Disqualification Amid Engine Controversy
The Tulsa Shootout boasts incredible participation this year, with 1,855 entries from 762 drivers representing five countries, including the USA, Australia, and South Africa. Yet, amidst the excitement, Anton Hernandez, a standout name in sprint racing, found himself embroiled in controversy.
After a strong Heat Race performance, the No. 25A car driven by Hernandez was selected for a random post-race tech inspection. Officials found the car’s engine to be illegal, leading to an immediate disqualification. The event’s official X (formerly Twitter) account announced:
“UPDATE >> Post Race Tech after Race 23 found the No. 25A driven by Anton Hernandez using an illegal engine. He has been disqualified and is done for the event.”
Hernandez, a Texas native and former Golden Driller winner (2018), quickly responded on social media, clarifying that the car was not his:
“I want to make things clear. I am just the driver of the car. I was given an opportunity to drive. We got randomly checked and the car owner said he didn’t want the engine touched. With that being said, we will focus on the non-wing car I own for the rest of the weekend.”
Tulsa Shootout officials confirmed Hernandez would still be eligible to compete with his own equipment, allowing him to return to the track alongside NASCAR stars like Kyle Busch and Christopher Bell.
Not Hernandez’s First Brush With Adversity
This isn’t the first time the Tulsa Shootout has seen high-profile disqualifications. In 2019, Jeffrey Daniels’ No. 81D failed a tire test, and five other drivers were disqualified for illegal fuel. Hernandez now joins the list of drivers affected by post-race scrutiny.
The setback is just another chapter in the resilient racer’s challenging career. After winning the POWRI West Midget Championship (2015) and the Golden Driller (2018), Hernandez’s career took a nosedive in 2020 when opportunities dried up. He worked tirelessly to stay in the sport, even taking odd jobs with other drivers like Emerson Axsom and Zach Hampton to make ends meet.
In June 2023, Hernandez opened up about his struggles:
“The racing world can be brutal. It is very cut-throat. Things happen, and you just have to grit your teeth and move on. I work hard because I love racing. I’m willing to work 80 to 90 hours a week just to be able to do it.”
Resilience and Determination Define Hernandez
Despite the disqualification, Hernandez has vowed to persevere and focus on his remaining opportunities at the Tulsa Shootout. His ability to bounce back from adversity is well-documented, and fans will be eager to see how he performs with his own equipment.
As the 40th Tulsa Shootout continues, the spotlight may be on NASCAR stars like Kyle Larson, but Hernandez’s determination to rise above challenges reminds us why sprint car racing is a sport of grit, passion, and resilience.
